The classic first-person shooter Unreal Tournament 2004 (UT2004) is set for a major revival, as a community-run effort known as OldUnreal has announced plans to make the game available for free download and release new, modernized patches. The project has received the blessing of Epic Games.
The initiative aims to significantly improve game accessibility and compatibility across modern operating systems.
Easier Access and Modern Compatibility
OldUnreal plans to publish a new installer that will download the original disc image for UT2004, install the game, and automatically apply necessary patches.
Key features of the upcoming patches include:
- Modern OS Support: Ensuring compatibility with Windows Vista or later, Linux x86-64 and aarch64 (including Raspberry Pi), and Mac OS 10.9 or later.
- Modernization and Fixes: Implementing quality-of-life changes, bug fixes, and addressing rough edges in the game.
- Native 64-bit Support: Natively supporting 64-bit Intel and ARM/Apple CPUs on modern Linux and macOS systems.
- Raspberry Pi Support: Allowing the game or a server to run on a Raspberry Pi 4 or 5.
- Enhanced Editor: Fixing several editor crash bugs, restoring broken functionality, and resolving a long-standing issue where clicking a viewport would cause the editor to freeze for several seconds.
Technical Highlights and Compatibility
The team has reported significant progress, with technical highlights including:
- The Linux and macOS distributions of the patch now use SDL3 instead of SDL1.
- These distributions also include a fully functional UnrealScript compiler (UCC make) and texture compression support.
- The Windows 64-bit client has fully functional D3D9Drv and fullscreen support.
Regarding compatibility with the existing game version:
- Server/Client Compatibility: Patched and unpatched clients/servers will generally be compatible.
- Mod Compatibility: Most mods should continue to work, with the exception of those that perform strict game version checks.
- AntiTCC: The popular AntiTCC mod will be updated with permission from its creator, Wormbo, to support the new patches.
Server administrators are advised that an issue with a previously installed unofficial patch may prevent newer clients from connecting to older servers. A temporary fix involves reinstalling the official 3369.3 version of the offending files on the server. OldUnreal is actively seeking an alternative solution.
Project Status and Team
The project is a non-profit, community-driven effort, undertaken by fans of the game who are funding costs like server hosting and software licenses themselves.
Project Timeline:
- Current Phase: Inviting server admins and modders to an internal tester group.
- Next Goal: Aiming to release a public test version within the next two months.
Core Development Team: The main developers include Buggie, Marco/Dots, Deaod, Metallicafan212, Piglet, CacoFFF, AnthraX, and Smirftsch. The patch also incorporates contributions from Wormbo, Shambler, and Ryan C. Gordon (icculus).
The community is encouraged to follow the OldUnreal Discord for future updates and opportunities to contribute as a tester.
[Sources: Stormslayer λ³ -HD Remasters/Gamedev and u/roX1337]